A Heritage Tour of the Lower Hutt Civic Centre

A tour of the Lower Hutt Civic Centre

They say “Placement of important civic administration and public buildings together in parkland surroundings away from main street situations is extremely rare in New Zealand at this time.”

“Four buildings of diverse purpose, a church, a library complex, a town hall complex and a horticultural hall, show an integrated design in concrete steel and glass by two noted Wellington architectural firms.”

Why did the Hutt need a Civic Centre?

The 1950s was a time of dynamic growth and change in the Hutt.

The construction of over 5,400 new state houses and the expansion of industry meant the population of Lower Hutt grew from 14,000 in 1931 to 44,000 in 1951.

Lower Hutt became a city in 1941 and by 1955 Lower Hutt was the 5th largest in New Zealand.

Mitchell, Victor Leonard William. [Studies for the Lower Hutt War Memorial Library murals. 1955-1956]. [Ronald Muston, Architect]. Ref: B-125-022. C16874. Alexander Turnbull Library.Ronald Muston founded Structon Group Architects and designed the Church of St. James and the War Memorial Library and Cultural Centre. He also designed the Dowse Art Gallery which opened in 1971. The above drawing is by Leonard Mitchell and Muston is portrayed in the Human Endeavour mural in the War Memorial Library also by Leonard Mitchell.

Percy Dowse, Mayor from 1950 to 1970, lead work to realize the planning of the Civic Centre Committee.

The Church of St. James, 1953

The first Church of St. James was built on the opposite side of the river in 1841 and was destroyed by floods. The second Church was built in 1845 where the present cemetery is. The third Church was built in 1880 and suffered extensive fire damage in June 1946.